What is Next for the Main Card of UFC 276: Adesanya vs Cannonier
In one of the most anticipated cards of 2022, UFC 276 didn’t exactly live up to the hype that many fans and audience members expected it to be however besides that post-fight feeling, we were showcased a plethora of outstanding performances from the prelims to the main event.So with that being said, here is what’s next for the main card fighters of UFC 276.
(#9 BW) Pedro Munhoz vs (#13 BW) Sean O’Malley
In a bantamweight bout to settle where both men belong in the division, Pedro Munhoz versus Sean O’Malley although a heated rivalry got off to a slow yet calculated start with Pedro chopping O’Malley’s legs while Sean on the other hand was looking for openings. Ending with the first round scored for Pedro Munhoz on two of the three judges' scorecards. In the second round, however, the fight took a turn for the worse as Sean supposedly poked Munhoz in the eye forcing the referee to call for a no contest. In the end, this fight ran back but with bantamweight prospects waiting on the sideline who knows if this fight will ever be remade.
Pedro Munhoz: If Pedro does not get this rematch with Sean, opponents I like for him next are the winner/loser of Jack Shore versus Ricky Simon, or the winner of Said Numermagomedov versus Douglas Andrade.
Sean O’Malley: If Sean decides not to fight Pedro or the UFC does not offer the rematch, the ideal opponent I like for Suga is Adrain Yanez. As that fight would be a classic striker vs striker matchup.
(WW) Robbie Lawler vs (WW) Bryan Barberena
Lobbying as a fight of the night contender, Robbie Lawler versus Bryan Barberena brought the excitement back into the T-Mobile arena with their classic bout. As both athletes nearly got the best of each other until the end of the second round when Barberena landed ruthless combinations that Robbie just could not come back from.
Robbie Lawler: With this TKO/KO loss, we do have to question was is left for the former UFC welterweight champion. In my opinion, Robbie has nothing left to prove for his legacy and should ultimately retire due to the amount the strikes he absorbs and lackluster performances prior to the Nick Diaz fight. However, if Robbie were to continue fighting opponents like Matt Brown, Court McGee, or Mickey Gall make the most sense.
Bryan Barberena: Coming off back-to-back wars, Barberena is slowly climbing in the ranks and showcasing he is in the prime of his career. So to continue this momentum and still place him in exciting fights, opponents like Andre Fialho, Jack Maddalenam, or the winner of Alex Morono versus Matt Smelsberger seem ideal.
(#4 MW) Sean Strickland vs (MW) Alex Pereira
For the right to become the number one contender to fight the UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya, Sean Strickland versus Alex Pereira was expected to be a fantastic fight however that all went into shambles when Pereira landed a mean left hook followed up with a straight right shutting Strickland lights out for the first round TKO/KO victory.
Sean Strickland: After suffering this vicious loss, Sean Strickland will have to go back to the drawing board and look for a fight that will give him the opportunity to fight for the middleweight title once again. Opponents next for him include Jared Cannonier, the winner of Robert Whittaker versus Marvin Vettori, or Darren Till if he beats Jack Hernansson.
Alex Pereira: With this statement victory, Alex Pereira has earned the right to fight his arch-rival Israel Adesanya in a trilogy matchup this time in the UFC octagon. Overall, this fight and storyline will be the most anticipated and biggest buildup by the end of 2022.
(FW C) Alexander Volkanovski vs (#1 FW) Max Holloway
Entering this trilogy many people including Alexander Volkanovski thought this fight was not needed because of Volkanovski being up 2-0 and the belief that Alex is levels above Max Holloway. However, with the Hawaiians' two-fight win streak over top ten featherweights Calvin Kattar and Yair Rodriguez, it was hard to not give Max another shot at the title as he earned the opportunity similar to Robert Whittaker.
Moving forward to fight week, audiences felt the intensity in the air as Max and Alex traded jabs on the microphone that would later bring the question as to whether Max was acting out of character due to his intense demeanor. Come fight night his behavior would change after Alex became the more intense, dominant, and quicker fighter. Landing at will and even cutting Max in the second round leaving him a bloody mess winning 50-45.
In the end, after this dominant victory Alexander Volkanovski has earned the right to be the best featherweight of all-time and possibly an opportunity as the current number one pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC.
Alexander Volkanovski: After defeating Max, Alex mentioned in his post-fight press conference he wants to move up to lightweight to become a double champ however with Islam vs Charles set to occur. It will be interesting to see what route the UFC will take as the lightweight title is vacant. However, if Volkanovski doesn’t move to lightweight, his next matchup will be Josh Emmett or Yair Rodriguez if he defeats Brian Ortega.
Max Holloway: There are only three options in my opinion for Max to go next: retirement, move up to lightweight, or stay at featherweight and be in line for another shot at the title.
Beginning with retirement, this is not to say that Max is now washed or past his prime but when looking at his legacy, the damage he absorbs, and life outside of the UFC. Max has nothing else to accomplish in life as he is forever a UFC champion, has a gaming contract with Facebook, and has a loving wife and family. So there is no need to put himself through the trials of another weight cut and the consistent injuries and bruises that come with a fight.
Second, when moving to lightweight, Max was unsuccessful the first time making weight to fight Khabib, then in the second opportunity lost to Dustin Poirier for the interim title. However, in a potential third stint at lightweight, Max can take a break and use the proper time to build himself into a natural lightweight. Then by the end of the year or early 2023, fight someone in the UFC top 15 lightweight rankings like Dan Hooker, Tony Ferguson, Renato Moicano, or potentially Conor McGregor.
Lastly, if Max were to stay at featherweight opponents I like for him next are Arnold Allen, Giga Chikadze, or Chan Sung Jung.
(MW C) Israel Adesanya vs (#2 MW) Jared Cannonier
In a display of distance control, counter striking, and composure Israel Adesanya seemingly outclassed Jared Cannonier for five rounds winning 49-46 in my book. However, to not discredit Jared, he was successful in the third round and was close in the fifth to hurting Izzy with powerful hooks. Overall, although to the audience's eye, this title fight was “boring”. When closely looking at Israel's performance and knowledge that he cannot be reckless in title fights. It is understandable to why naysayers would disagree with the “Izzy is a boring champion” take.
Israel Adesanya: With this win, Izzy is now on a five-title defense win streak and likely to fight his rival Alex Pereira in one of the most anticipated storylines and matchups this year.
Jared Cannonier: Opponents next for the Killa Gorilla are the winner of Robert Whittaker vs Marvin Vettori or Sean Strickland.
Thumbnail and all photos by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
